Thursday, 10 March 2011

I'd cut these clips nearly a year ago but had been hesitant about posting it, for a number of reasons. It is one of the most depressing films I've seen in a while, and I really hated the idea of having to watch it again while taking screen caps. It is also a controversial film that depicts scenes of sexual violence and mutilation, in addition to explicit sex. Besides, it is a film that is hard to recommend to anyone, unless they're completely open-minded.

I ultimately realised I'm being unfair to Lars von Trier's honest attempt to explore extreme grief due to familial loss, and the accruing mental illness due to perceived guilt, and after a lot of deliberation, decided to make this post.

His 2009 film, "Antichrist" has had wildly mixed reviews, and caused a sensation when von Trier was nominated for the Golden Palm at Cannes that year. Even in IMDB, reviewers were trying hard to read too much into the film. Yes there is symbolism, but as far as I can see, it is a simple story dealing with trauma, and how it puts even committed relationships to the test. But the film itself is beautifully done, with some exquisite cinematography and challenging interpretation by the main characters - the husband and wife, played by Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg respectively.

Most of these scenes may be found elsewhere, but these are cut from Blu-ray, and possibly among the better quality versions floating around. But use your own judgement before downloading these as they can be hard to watch, high quality notwithstanding.

Scene 1:
There is only brief nudity in this scene but it is beautifully made, even if it is a sad one. Contains explicit imagery.

Compilation 2:
The remaining scenes of Charlotte Gainsbourg from the film. The explicit scenes however uses body-doubles, both for Ms. Gainsbourg and Mr Dafoe. But I've left the scenes largely uncut - so download at your own discretion. To put your mind at ease, no clitoris was injured during the making of this film!